Protesters in North Macedonia's capital demand action on air pollution linked to cement plant

By Dzihat Aliju and Seyit Kurt

SKOPJE, North Macedonia / ISTANBUL (AA) – Dozens of citizens and environmental activists gathered in the capital of Skopje on Saturday to demand stronger measures against air pollution, with a focus on operations at the Usje Cement Factory.

The protest, organized at the call of the civic initiative “Stop for Usje,” began in front of the government building, where demonstrators urged authorities to prioritize public health and environmental protection against the harmful effects of polluted air.

Participants called for the cement plant to operate in full compliance with environmental standards. Carrying banners reading “Air is not a luxury, it is a right,” “Stop Usje,” and “For them profit, for us disease,” protesters later marched toward the parliament building and the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning.

Aleksandar Todeski, one of the activists, said institutions should act in the interest of citizens and announced that demonstrations would continue.

– Skopje ranks among world's most polluted cities

The factory is cited as one of the main contributors to the capital’s air pollution.

Skopje frequently ranks near the top among the most polluted cities in Europe and worldwide.

In Dec. 2025, the Skopje Metropolitan City Council approved a decision authorizing Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski to apply to the government regarding relocating the factory away from residential areas.